Before you read the story, you may have met Prof Eugene Ch'ng on social media. As an artist, scientist as well as a vlogger, he cuts obscure ideas about metaverse and artificial intelligence into digestible pieces for his audience while displaying a fantasy world with his brush and imagination. Now, taking on a new role at UIC as the Dean of the School of Culture and Creativity (SCC), what are his visions and actions for the School?
When art meets computer science
Prof Ch'ng's love for art and computer science is rooted in childhood. Growing up in Penang, Malaysia, he started painting in an early age. One day, while passing by a shop with his brother, he saw a 3D figure moving on the screen of an Apple computer, and his flames for programming were lit. He went on to study 3D Design for the Built Environment and Computer Science at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels and completed his PhD in Electronic, Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Birmingham during his ten years studying and working in the UK.
Prof Ch'ng uses a drone to photograph ancient buildings and record data
With help from his supervisor, he entered the field of digital culture and heritage, where the two are beautifully woven together. Talking about the choice of his research direction, he smiled and said: "The reason is quite simple. Because I watched Indiana Jones when I was younger, and I was intrigued by the archaeologist's intelligence."
With endless passion and continuous efforts, he is now a distinguished scholar in the interdisciplinary domain of digital culture and heritage and a recognised expert in XR technologies. He has collaborated with teams on digitisation projects of ancient cultural heritage, including the Temple of Bel, Seh Tek Tong Cheah Kongsi, and the VR Sanjiangkou Site. He also serves as the Editor-in-Chief for PRESENCE: Virtual and Augmented Reality at MIT Press, the longest-standing journal for virtual reality.
"Anything to do with art, culture and heritage is worth pursuing, because they define what it is to be a human," said Prof Ch'ng during the interview. "I have chased after them for 20 years, and I'm never sick of it. I think I have a lot more to contribute."
When AI meets liberal arts education
Having closely followed the development of AI, Prof Ch'ng is no stranger to it. He has applied the generative AI, including OpenAI's products to art creation. After experimenting with it for around two years, he can easily identify its outputs. Although it could be efficient and productive, he still finds something important missing from its works.
"The more you use AI, the more you become sensitive to what AI-generated images look like," he said. "There's no soul. It's just a conglomeration of an average of all of the most beautiful things that you've seen in the world."
Faced with the expansion of AI, he pointed out that liberal arts education is crucial to protect students' creativity. It cultivates talents to be a whole person with the ability to adapt to the fast-changing world with resilience and contribute to the world in the long term.
He said after going through liberal arts education and traditional training, a basic foundation will be laid solidly, and "as you become creative with your own personality, you can start using AI to make your creativity more productive."
"The 'arts' of the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) style of education can balance science and technology as our Provost Prof Chau had mentioned," he added.
When I meet SCC
After living in Ningbo for 10 years, Prof Ch'ng came to Zhuhai and embarked on his journey of liberal arts education at UIC. Thanks to the supportive staff and leaders, working at UIC has been quite a pleasure for him, he said.
Prof Ch'ng at UIC
Regarding his plan for SCC, he hoped to be a builder, providing more platforms and resources for students and staff, catering to different needs, and helping them unleash their potential when facing future technological trends.
"As a teacher, I hope to teach them everything I know in XR and AI for they are part of the future trend. As a Dean, I am going to bring in my networks and allow students to have their chances, just like how Birmingham University gave me a chance," he said. "I think I should give back, and I am here to empower the students and also the staff members."
"In the future, there will be more opportunities to work with industry, with galleries, libraries, archives, museums, conferences, events, and so on."
Prof Ch'ng teaching at UIC
He also looked forward to more communication and cooperation with other UIC Faculties and Schools to explore more possibilities and learn from each other.
Taking the role as the Dean of SCC at UIC brings new challenges and opportunities to Prof Ch'ng. "But as it is, I'm not afraid of challenges," he said. He is ready to muster his strength and his team to pave the way for the School's growth and innovation.
From MPRO
Reporter: Cecilia Yu
Video: Season Li, Li Bohan, Cecilia Yu
Photographer: Season Li, Cecilia Yu
Editor: Deen He
